Desperate Measures

“Suicide by cop” is a phrase that popped up in the news recently and is one that conjures up disturbing images.

It is a term used to describe a scenario in which a would-be suicide intentionally behaves in a threatening manner so as to provoke responding law enforcement personnel to use deadly force.

Police officers are trained to respond in a measured way to each situation they encounter. That response escalates as the threat escalates with deadly force being the final option.

A would-be suicide who has recognized that they are unable to take their own life will force a confrontation with the police and then escalate the situation until either the officer or bystander is threatened and deadly force is the only response remaining.

Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death, claiming more than 30,000 Americans each year.

The average number of suicides in Licking County is 15 per 100,000 people per year. In just 8 months, there have been 18 suicides, 3 more than the 12 month average. A recent event, the car chase, has motivated me to write an article about suicide, and what can be done about it.

It is important that people know what can lead to suicide, why people see suicide as their only option, and what resources are available to those who may be having suicidal thoughts. Suicide is often a preventable situation, if people learn the warning signs to recognize.

The most common warning signs are:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, and/or society.
• Changes in sleep patterns; sleeping too much or too little.
• Acting recklessly or engaging in high risk behaviors (driving dangerously, doing “stunts”, disregarding own personal safety).
• An increase in drug and/or alcohol use.
• Talking and/or writing about death or suicide.
• Seeking access to firearms, medications, or other suicide means
• Saying things like “I can’t go on anymore” or “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I wish I was dead”
• Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, or purposelessness.
• Anxiousness, irritability, or moodiness.
• Reading or writing about death or suicide.
• Suddenly happier or calmer.
• Giving away possessions or saying good-byes.
• Making arrangements or setting affairs in order.

People having suicidal thoughts do not want to die; they want an end to the pain and suffering that they are experiencing. They do not realize that suicide is a permanent end to a temporary problem. If they get the help they need while they are having these thoughts they realize they really don’t want to die.

The number one reason that people complete suicide is that they have an untreated mental illness such as depression. Other common reasons include: the death of a loved one, a breakup of a relationship, losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair, serious loss, terminal illness, accident, physical or emotional pain, physical, verbal, or sexual abuse, legal problems, alcohol or drug abuse .

It is important that people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts understand that there are alternative responses other than suicide.

Some things people can do instead are: take a deep breath and try to identify feelings, write down all of the feelings as a record for later, try and do things that help them feel better for at least 30 minutes, write down individual negative thoughts and provide an alternative response that changes the perspective, and most importantly talk to someone.

Talking to someone helps communicate what you are feeling to someone that can help them. There are several resources that people can call, as well as visit on the internet. Locally, the local crisis line 211 or 345-HELP is the best resource to call if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts. There are several national hotlines including 1-800-999-9999.

--Ashley Shaw

Suicide Prevention Coordinator